Mynydd Illtud from the Visitor Centre

Cracking commons and ancient settlements.

An easy but rewarding walk from the National Park Visitor Centre at Libanus. Along the way, you’ll find wonderful wildlife, panoramic views and an Iron Age hillfort.

Need to know

Length: About 2½ miles (4.5km)

Time: Around 1½ hours

Start and finish: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus

OS map ref: SN 978262

OS map: OL12 Explorer (1:25 000 series)

Facilities: Car park, play area, refreshments, toilets

Along the way

National Park Visitor Centre

Also known as the Mountain Centre, this is your one-stop shop for all things Brecon Beacons National Park related. A Dedicated and knowledgeable staff will advise you on what to do and see, so you can be sure to get the best out of your visit. For more ideas, pick up the What to see from the National Park Visitor Centre leaflet for £1.00. You’ll also find beautiful grounds with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, plus welcoming Tea Rooms offering delicious home-made meals and packed lunches to fortify you for your walk.

Twyn y Gaer

The remnants of an Iron Age hillfort sit atop the grassy mound of Twyn y Gaer. Though little remains of the ancient structure, it’s easy to see why our ancestors picked this naturally defensive spot to settle. There are huge, widescreen views towards the towering peaks of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du, while the northern slopes of the Black Mountains and the snaking river Usk are also visible.

Mynydd Illtud Common

Mynydd Illtud is one of several commons purchased in 1984 by The National Park Authority to protect and conserve the open landscape. The rights of the Commoners are unaffected. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites and other birds of prey wheeling in the sky, along with larks, wheatears and colourful butterflies. The common takes its name from St Illtud, a Celtic Christian missionary and teacher of St David, Wales’s patron saint. According to legend, Illtud is buried on the common not far from the Visitor Centre, but his grave is now thought to be at Llantwit Major.